Class 10 Social Science (Contemporary India 2) Chapter 2 Forest and Wildlife Resources

 

1) Which of the following is NOT a type of biodiversity? 

a) Genetic diversity 

b) Species diversity 

c) Cultural diversity 

d) Ecosystem diversity 

Answer: c) Cultural diversity 

Explanation: Biodiversity refers to variations in living organisms, including genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. Cultural diversity is not a type of biodiversity. 

 

 

2) Which of the following is NOT a cause of deforestation? 

a) Agricultural expansion 

b) Industrialization 

c) Afforestation 

d) Urbanization 

Answer: c) Afforestation 

Explanation: Afforestation refers to planting trees, which increases forest cover rather than reducing it. 

 

 

3) Which of the following is NOT an example of an endangered species in India? 

a) Indian Rhino 

b) Asiatic Lion 

c) House Sparrow 

d) Bengal Tiger 

Answer: c) House Sparrow 

Explanation: House Sparrows are declining but are not categorized as endangered, unlike the Indian Rhino, Asiatic Lion, and Bengal Tiger. 

 

 

4) Which organization publishes the Red Data Book? 

a) WWF 

b) UNEP 

c) IUCN 

d) UNESCO 

Answer: c) IUCN 

Explanation: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) publishes the Red Data Book, listing endangered and extinct species. 

 

 

5) Which Indian state has the largest forest cover? 

a) Madhya Pradesh 

b) Arunachal Pradesh 

c) Chhattisgarh 

d) Kerala 

Answer: a) Madhya Pradesh 

Explanation: Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover in India, followed by Arunachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. 

 

 

6) Which of the following is NOT a consequence of deforestation? 

a) Soil erosion 

b) Loss of biodiversity 

c) Increase in groundwater levels 

d) Climate change 

Answer: c) Increase in groundwater levels 

Explanation: Deforestation reduces water retention in soil, leading to lower groundwater levels. 

 

 

7) Which forest type in India receives the highest rainfall? 

a) Deciduous forests 

b) Evergreen forests 

c) Thorn forests 

d) Mangrove forests 

Answer: b) Evergreen forests 

Explanation: Evergreen forests, found in high-rainfall regions, remain green throughout the year. 

 

 

8) Which of the following species has been declared India’s National Animal? 

a) Lion 

b) Elephant 

c) Bengal Tiger 

d) Leopard 

Answer: c) Bengal Tiger 

Explanation: The Bengal Tiger was declared India’s National Animal to highlight the importance of tiger conservation. 

 

 

9) Which of the following is a major cause of species extinction? 

a) Wildlife sanctuaries 

b) Habitat destruction 

c) Ecotourism 

d) Organic farming 

Answer: b) Habitat destruction 

Explanation: The destruction of natural habitats due to human activities is the leading cause of species extinction. 

 

 

10) Which of the following wildlife protection laws was passed in India in 1972? 

a) Environment Protection Act 

b) Water Protection Act 

c) Wildlife Protection Act 

d) Forest Conservation Act 

Answer: c) Wildlife Protection Act 

Explanation: The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 was enacted to conserve wildlife and prevent illegal poaching and trade. 

 

 

11) Which type of forests are found in the Sundarbans region? 

a) Tropical Rainforests 

b) Coniferous Forests 

c) Mangrove Forests 

d) Thorn Forests 

Answer: c) Mangrove Forests 

Explanation: The Sundarbans, located in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta, have dense mangrove forests. 

 

 

12) Which of the following is a major threat to the Indian elephant population? 

a) Climate change 

b) Habitat loss and poaching 

c) Urbanization 

d) Introduction of exotic species 

Answer: b) Habitat loss and poaching 

Explanation: Deforestation and illegal poaching for ivory threaten the Indian elephant population. 

 

 

13) Which of the following statements about the Chipko Movement is true? 

a) It was a movement against industrialization. 

b) It was led by the government. 

c) It aimed to prevent deforestation. 

d) It promoted hunting practices. 

Answer: c) It aimed to prevent deforestation. 

Explanation: The Chipko Movement, started in the 1970s in Uttarakhand, was a forest conservation movement to prevent tree-cutting. 

 

 

14) Which state has the largest number of wildlife sanctuaries in India? 

a) Karnataka 

b) Madhya Pradesh 

c) Assam 

d) Rajasthan 

Answer: b) Madhya Pradesh 

Explanation: Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of wildlife sanctuaries in India. 

 

 

15) Which of the following is NOT an objective of the Joint Forest Management (JFM) program? 

a) Involving local communities in forest conservation 

b) Promoting afforestation 

c) Encouraging illegal logging 

d) Sustainable forest management 

Answer: c) Encouraging illegal logging 

Explanation: JFM aims to involve local communities in forest protection and does not promote illegal activities. 

 

 

16) Project Tiger was launched in which year? 

a) 1972 

b) 1980 

c) 1973 

d) 1991 

Answer: c) 1973 

Explanation: Project Tiger was launched in 1973 to protect Bengal tigers and their habitats. 

 

 

17) Which of the following animals is NOT found in the Gir National Park? 

a) Asiatic Lion 

b) Bengal Tiger 

c) Leopard 

d) Sambar Deer 

Answer: b) Bengal Tiger 

Explanation: Gir National Park in Gujarat is home to the Asiatic Lion but not the Bengal Tiger. 

 

 

18) Which of the following is a Ramsar Wetland Site in India? 

a) Sundarbans 

b) Kaziranga 

c) Nanda Devi 

d) Keoladeo National Park 

Answer: d) Keoladeo National Park 

Explanation: Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur) is a Ramsar Wetland Site known for its rich birdlife. 

 

 

19) Which of the following conservation methods is in-situ conservation? 

a) Zoos 

b) Botanical gardens 

c) Wildlife sanctuaries 

d) Seed banks 

Answer: c) Wildlife sanctuaries 

Explanation: In-situ conservation means conserving species in their natural habitat, like wildlife sanctuaries. 

 

 

20) Which Indian state has the lowest forest cover? 

a) Punjab 

b) Rajasthan 

c) Gujarat 

d) Haryana 

Answer: d) Haryana 

Explanation: Haryana has the lowest forest cover in India, mainly due to extensive agricultural land use. 

 

21) Which of the following is an example of an extinct species in India? 

a) Indian Cheetah 

b) Snow Leopard 

c) One-horned Rhinoceros 

d) Gharial 

Answer: a) Indian Cheetah 

Explanation: The Indian Cheetah became extinct in India due to excessive hunting and habitat loss. 

 

 

22) What is the main reason for the rapid decline in biodiversity? 

a) Ecotourism 

b) Habitat destruction 

c) Climate stability 

d) Increase in protected areas 

Answer: b) Habitat destruction 

Explanation: The destruction of natural habitats due to deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture is the primary cause of biodiversity loss. 

 

 

23) Which of the following conservation strategies involves protecting species in their natural habitat? 

a) In-situ conservation 

b) Ex-situ conservation 

c) Genetic engineering 

d) Controlled breeding 

Answer: a) In-situ conservation 

Explanation: In-situ conservation means protecting species in their natural environments, such as in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. 

 

 

24) Which of the following is a man-made threat to biodiversity? 

a) Volcanic eruptions 

b) Earthquakes 

c) Deforestation 

d) Cyclones 

Answer: c) Deforestation 

Explanation: Deforestation is a human-induced activity that leads to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. 

 

 

25) Which of the following is an example of ex-situ conservation? 

a) National parks 

b) Wildlife sanctuaries 

c) Botanical gardens 

d) Biosphere reserves 

Answer: c) Botanical gardens 

Explanation: Ex-situ conservation involves conserving species outside their natural habitats, such as in botanical gardens and zoos. 

 

 

26) Which government program aims to involve local communities in forest management? 

a) Green Revolution 

b) Joint Forest Management (JFM) 

c) Project Elephant 

d) Make in India 

Answer: b) Joint Forest Management (JFM) 

Explanation: JFM encourages local communities to participate in the protection and management of forests. 

 

 

27) What percentage of India's total geographical area is covered by forests? 

a) 10% 

b) 21% 

c) 33% 

d) 50% 

Answer: b) 21% 

Explanation: As per the Forest Survey of India, about 21% of India's total land area is covered by forests. 

 

 

28) Which of the following animals is found in the Kaziranga National Park? 

a) Asiatic Lion 

b) One-horned Rhinoceros 

c) Snow Leopard 

d) Nilgiri Tahr 

Answer: b) One-horned Rhinoceros 

Explanation: Kaziranga National Park in Assam is famous for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses. 

 

 

29) What is the main purpose of a biosphere reserve? 

a) To promote urbanization 

b) To allow hunting of endangered species 

c) To conserve ecosystems and genetic diversity 

d) To increase mining activities 

Answer: c) To conserve ecosystems and genetic diversity 

Explanation: Biosphere reserves protect ecosystems, genetic diversity, and traditional ways of life. 

 

 

30) Which region of India is home to the Great Indian Bustard, an endangered bird species? 

a) Western Ghats 

b) Rajasthan Desert 

c) Sundarbans 

d) Himalayas 

Answer: b) Rajasthan Desert 

Explanation: The Great Indian Bustard is primarily found in Rajasthan and is critically endangered due to habitat loss. 

 

 

31) Which of the following is a protected area where hunting and poaching are strictly prohibited? 

a) National Park 

b) Wildlife Sanctuary 

c) Zoo 

d) Botanical Garden 

Answer: a) National Park 

Explanation: National parks are strictly protected areas where hunting, poaching, and deforestation are prohibited. 

 

 

32) Which Indian state has the highest number of national parks? 

a) Madhya Pradesh 

b) Uttarakhand 

c) Assam 

d) Karnataka 

Answer: a) Madhya Pradesh 

Explanation: Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of national parks in India. 

 

 

33) The Forest Conservation Act was passed in which year? 

a) 1972 

b) 1980 

c) 1991 

d) 2000 

Answer: b) 1980 

Explanation: The Forest Conservation Act was passed in 1980 to prevent deforestation and protect forest resources. 

 

 

34) Which of the following is NOT a Ramsar Wetland Site in India? 

a) Chilika Lake 

b) Loktak Lake 

c) Gir National Park 

d) Wular Lake 

Answer: c) Gir National Park 

Explanation: Gir National Park is a wildlife reserve, not a Ramsar Wetland Site. 

 

 

35) Which species is considered the top predator in India's forests? 

a) Elephant 

b) Leopard 

c) Bengal Tiger 

d) Indian Bison 

Answer: c) Bengal Tiger 

Explanation: The Bengal Tiger is the apex predator in India's forest ecosystem. 

 

 

36) Which Indian state has the largest mangrove forest cover? 

a) Gujarat 

b) Kerala 

c) West Bengal 

d) Tamil Nadu 

Answer: c) West Bengal 

Explanation: The Sundarbans in West Bengal contain the largest mangrove forests in India. 

 

 

37) Which of the following methods is used to control deforestation? 

a) Slash-and-burn agriculture 

b) Shifting cultivation 

c) Afforestation 

d) Excessive logging 

Answer: c) Afforestation 

Explanation: Afforestation involves planting trees and is an effective method to combat deforestation. 

 

 

38) Which of the following is an example of an endemic species in India? 

a) African Elephant 

b) Kangaroo 

c) Nilgiri Tahr 

d) Polar Bear 

Answer: c) Nilgiri Tahr 

Explanation: Nilgiri Tahr is endemic to the Western Ghats of India. 

 

 

39) Which type of forest is found in dry areas with low rainfall? 

a) Evergreen forests 

b) Deciduous forests 

c) Thorn forests 

d) Mangrove forests 

Answer: c) Thorn forests 

Explanation: Thorn forests are found in dry regions with low rainfall and consist of drought-resistant plants. 

 

 

40) Which river basin is home to the Sundarbans mangrove forests? 

a) Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta 

b) Krishna River Basin 

c) Narmada River Basin 

d) Yamuna River Basin 

Answer: a) Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta 

Explanation: The Sundarbans are located in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta, covering India and Bangladesh. 

 

41) Which of the following is NOT an objective of wildlife conservation? 

a) Protection of endangered species 

b) Prevention of deforestation 

c) Encouraging habitat destruction 

d) Maintaining ecological balance 

Answer: c) Encouraging habitat destruction 

Explanation: Wildlife conservation aims to protect endangered species and their habitats, not destroy them. 

 

 

42) Which category of species faces the highest risk of extinction in the near future? 

a) Endangered species 

b) Vulnerable species 

c) Extinct species 

d) Critically endangered species 

Answer: d) Critically endangered species 

Explanation: Critically endangered species are at extremely high risk of extinction in the near future. 

 

 

43) Which of the following human activities leads to desertification? 

a) Excessive grazing 

b) Sustainable farming 

c) Reforestation 

d) Rainwater harvesting 

Answer: a) Excessive grazing 

Explanation: Overgrazing removes vegetation cover, leading to soil erosion and desertification. 

 

 

44) Which of the following is NOT a function of forests? 

a) Reducing carbon dioxide levels 

b) Preventing soil erosion 

c) Increasing industrial pollution 

d) Providing habitat for wildlife 

Answer: c) Increasing industrial pollution 

Explanation: Forests help reduce pollution by absorbing carbon dioxide and providing clean air. 

 

 

45) Which Indian state is famous for the Gir Forest, the last refuge of the Asiatic Lion? 

a) Rajasthan 

b) Gujarat 

c) Madhya Pradesh 

d) Karnataka 

Answer: b) Gujarat 

Explanation: The Gir Forest in Gujarat is the only habitat where the Asiatic Lion is found in the wild. 

 

 

46) Which of the following conservation programs focuses on protecting elephants in India? 

a) Project Tiger 

b) Project Elephant 

c) Project Rhino 

d) Save the Forests Campaign 

Answer: b) Project Elephant 

Explanation: Project Elephant, launched in 1992, aims to protect wild elephants and their habitats. 

 

 

47) Which of the following factors contributes most to the destruction of coral reefs? 

a) Illegal fishing 

b) Deforestation 

c) Urbanization 

d) Coral bleaching 

Answer: d) Coral bleaching 

Explanation: Coral bleaching, caused by rising ocean temperatures and pollution, leads to the destruction of coral reefs. 

 

 

48) Which term refers to a species that is found only in a particular region and nowhere else? 

a) Endemic species 

b) Migratory species 

c) Vulnerable species 

d) Exotic species 

Answer: a) Endemic species 

Explanation: Endemic species are native to a specific location and do not naturally exist elsewhere. 

 

 

49) Which type of forests are also called "monsoon forests" in India? 

a) Tropical Evergreen forests 

b) Deciduous forests 

c) Coniferous forests 

d) Mangrove forests 

Answer: b) Deciduous forests 

Explanation: Deciduous forests shed their leaves in dry seasons and are influenced by monsoon rains. 

 

 

50) Which organization is responsible for maintaining wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in India? 

a) NITI Aayog 

b) Wildlife Institute of India 

c) Central Zoo Authority 

d) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) 

Answer: d) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) 

Explanation: MoEFCC is responsible for formulating policies and managing conservation efforts in India. 

 

 

51) What is the primary cause of forest degradation in the Himalayan region? 

a) Mining activities 

b) Overgrazing 

c) Floods 

d) Tourism 

Answer: b) Overgrazing 

Explanation: Overgrazing by livestock leads to soil erosion and degradation of forest areas in the Himalayas. 

 

 

52) Which of the following is an example of a migratory bird in India? 

a) House Sparrow 

b) Indian Peafowl 

c) Siberian Crane 

d) Crow 

Answer: c) Siberian Crane 

Explanation: The Siberian Crane migrates to India during winter from colder regions. 

 

 

53) Which wildlife sanctuary is famous for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses? 

a) Ranthambore 

b) Periyar 

c) Kaziranga 

d) Nagarhole 

Answer: c) Kaziranga 

Explanation: Kaziranga National Park in Assam is home to the largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses. 

 

 

54) What is the full form of WWF? 

a) World Wildlife Forum 

b) World Wildlife Federation 

c) World Wide Fund for Nature 

d) Wildlife Welfare Foundation 

Answer: c) World Wide Fund for Nature 

Explanation: WWF is an international organization that works towards wildlife conservation and environmental protection. 

 

 

55) Which of the following regions in India is known for its rich biodiversity and is part of a global biodiversity hotspot? 

a) Thar Desert 

b) Western Ghats 

c) Punjab Plains 

d) Indo-Gangetic Plains 

Answer: b) Western Ghats 

Explanation: The Western Ghats is one of the world’s eight "hottest hotspots" of biodiversity. 

 

 

56) Which Indian river delta is home to the Sundarbans mangrove forest? 

a) Mahanadi Delta 

b) Krishna-Godavari Delta 

c) Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta 

d) Narmada Delta 

Answer: c) Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta 

Explanation: The Sundarbans mangrove forest is located in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta. 

 

 

57) What is the main reason for the declining population of vultures in India? 

a) Illegal hunting 

b) Deforestation 

c) Use of diclofenac in cattle 

d) Urbanization 

Answer: c) Use of diclofenac in cattle 

Explanation: The veterinary drug diclofenac, when consumed by vultures through dead cattle, causes kidney failure, leading to their decline. 

 

 

58) Which of the following is a characteristic feature of tropical rainforests? 

a) Found in arid regions 

b) Shed leaves in the dry season 

c) Have dense, evergreen vegetation 

d) Found only in the Himalayan region 

Answer: c) Have dense, evergreen vegetation 

Explanation: Tropical rainforests have dense vegetation and remain green throughout the year due to high rainfall. 

 

 

59) What is the main objective of afforestation programs? 

a) To clear land for agriculture 

b) To promote urbanization 

c) To increase forest cover 

d) To increase mining activities 

Answer: c) To increase forest cover 

Explanation: Afforestation programs focus on planting trees to restore and expand forest cover. 

 

 

60) Which of the following best defines deforestation? 

a) Natural regrowth of trees 

b) Cutting down trees without replanting 

c) Protecting forests from logging 

d) Establishing national parks 

Answer: b) Cutting down trees without replanting 

Explanation: Deforestation refers to the large-scale removal of trees without compensatory afforestation, leading to environmental degradation. 

 

MCQ from the exercise part of the chapter: 

1) Which of the following conservation strategies do not directly involve community participation? 

a) Joint forest management 

b) Beej Bachao Andolan 

c) Chipko Movement 

d) Demarcation of Wildlife Sanctuaries 

 

Answer: 

 

d) Demarcation of Wildlife Sanctuaries 

 

Explanation: 

 

Joint Forest Management (JFM) involves local communities in forest conservation. 

 

Beej Bachao Andolan is a community-driven seed conservation movement. 

 

Chipko Movement was a grassroots movement where people physically protected trees from being cut down. 

 

Demarcation of Wildlife Sanctuaries, however, is a government-driven process that sets boundaries for protected areas without direct community participation.